Disregard the other teams in the division for now because the Cubs are just one game away from reaching a .500 win-loss record, and that’s the most important thing at the moment. They have an opportunity to achieve that today with Marcus Stroman as the starting pitcher against the Cardinals’ left-handed pitcher, Matthew Liberatore (Jack Flaherty was replaced). Here is the Cubs lineup for the final game in London:
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
- Nico Hoerner – Second Base
- Seiya Suzuki – Right Field
- Chris Morel – Center Field
- Dansby Swanson – Shortstop
- Ian Happ – Left Field
- Trey Mancini – First Base
- Miguel Amaya – Designated Hitter
- Nick Madrigal – Third Base
- Tucker Barnhart – Catcher
Let’s start from the end: Tucker Barnhart is once again behind the plate, and I’m becoming more accepting of it. Although he still struggles offensively (although he had a good game last time), he has become Marcus Stroman’s preferred catcher (as evidenced by him starting today despite a left-handed pitcher on the mound for St. Louis), and that holds more significance.
Marcus Stroman’s Catcher Splits:
- Barnhart: 9 games, 60.2 IP, 1.63 ERA
- Gomes: 7 games, 38.0 IP, 3.32 ERA
Is there any significance there? I can’t say for certain, but Stroman clearly believes so. And that was expected to be Barnhart’s primary value, so it’s possible that he is finally establishing chemistry with certain pitchers.
Moving on, the Cubs lineup looks quite different today. Nick Madrigal continues to start at third base. However, with a left-handed pitcher on the mound, both Cody Bellinger and Mike Tauchman are getting the day off. This opens up center field for Chris Morel, who moves up in the lineup, and first base for Trey Mancini, who typically plays against left-handed pitchers or not at all. Hopefully, Mancini is working on improving his defensive skills.
Ian Happ, batting as a right-handed hitter, is in the fifth spot after a hot streak in the past three games, including two home runs yesterday. Nico Hoerner is leading off.
Just one more win, and the Cubs will reach a .500 record. Let’s make it happen!
St. Louis Cardinals Lineup:
- Brendan Donovan – Left Field
- Paul Goldschmidt – First Base
- Lars Nootbaar – Right Field
- Nolan Arenado – Third Base
- Willson Contreras – Catcher
- Nolan Gorman – Second Base
- Jordan Walker – Designated Hitter
- Paul DeJong – Shortstop
- Tommy Edman – Center Field
Pitching Matchup: Chicago Cubs: Marcus Stroman – Right-Handed Pitcher
- Marcus Stroman is having an outstanding year, ranking among the top pitchers in baseball. He leads in quality starts and has the lowest earned run average (2.28 ERA) in the National League (third in MLB). With a solid start today, he could reclaim the lead in innings pitched. Stroman has been exceptional in his last seven games, allowing only 7 earned runs over 48.2 innings (1.29 ERA). In many ways, he is carrying the team.
St. Louis Cardinals: Matthew Liberatore – Left-Handed Pitcher
- The Cubs lineup features predominantly right-handed hitters today because Matthew Liberatore has significant splits between left-handed and right-handed batters throughout his career. Although the sample size at the major league level is limited, right-handed hitters have a .318/.396/.553 slash line (.404 wOBA) against Liberatore with 1.23 home runs per nine innings and a 15.8% strikeout rate. While you don’t want to bench Cody Bellinger and Mike Tauchman too often, it makes sense to do so today.
Broadcast Info:
The game between the Chicago Cubs (37-38) and St. Louis Cardinals (31-45) will be televised on ESPN and broadcasted on 670 The Score at 9:10 am CT.